RSI costs UK 300 Million GBP a year in lost Productivity

posted at 16:15:55
By Flipping Heck!

Posted In
Business

Scare tactic headline? Not according to Microsoft.

A recent article on Ars Technica called "RSIs on the rise, says report, but prevention is simple" states:

According to Microsoft, RSI costs UK businesses around £300 million [approximately $590 Million US] a year in lost productivity, and the European Trade Union Federation estimates that the condition affects nearly a third of workers in the EU.... Published peer-reviewed studies^* put the overall incidence in the population at between five and ten percent, but for certain professions this can rise as high as 40 percent.

Crikey! 40 percent of for certain professions?? The mind boggles. Can you imagine if nearly half your workforce went down with something they can come back and sue you for - not to mention the cost of having them all off sick.

As more businesses turn to computers to solve their needs, this statistic can only rise which is worrying for not just for us but even more so for the next generation of the work force.

I would say that my job involves spending approximately 90% of my time on a computer, then factor into my "free" time which is spent coding and blogging, that adds up to a lot of hours (and a lot of potential RSI!)

10 ways to limit the risk of RSI

There are a lot of websites around on the subject but here are a few minor things you can do that won't break the bank:

Take Regular Breaks: This isn't just for your eyesight. Regular breaks help you to rest those weary joints.
Make sure your chair is adjustable and suitable: Whilst it may be comfortable, an armchair isn't really suitable office furniture!
Make sure your chair is at the correct height: Ideally you should be able to sit without having to over-stretch or hunch your shoulders. If this means your feet can't touch the floor then...
Get a foot rest: Feet dangling mid-air may make for leg-swinging fun but it's not that practical or good for your joints.
Make sure that everything is reachable: Your montior should be at a suitable height (i.e. you shouldn't be looking up or down at it, it's... er... in the middle) and you're not stretching to reach the mouse and keyboard.
Don't slouch!^**: Remember what your mother said - if the wind changes you'll get stuck that way and it's not very attractive.
Don't crack your knuckles/neck/back: This has nothing to do with RSI, I thought I'd mention it as it's disgusting and shouldn't be allowed!
If you're not comfortable - tell someone: In the UK, your employer is duty bound by health and safety legislation to provide you with a suitable (and comfy) work area. I hope it's the same elsewhere!
Have regular safety checks: Again in the UK (as that's where I live so that's what I know!), your workstation/work area should be checked on a yearly basis
If in doubt, see a doctor: Diagnosed early enough, RSI can be treated with appropriate drugs and/or phisotherapy. Don't leave it too long or the effects could be permanent

Okay, okay! I know that the above had a slightly humorous tone and that RSI isn't a laughing matter but I think the above points are valid (especially 7!)

^* Registration required

^** This is a case of do as I say, not as I do ;)